The relationship between WM lesions (WM) and Postural Instability Gait Disorders (PIGD-PD)in Parkinson's disease patients is largely unknown. We hypothesize that sub-clinical WM pathology may be a major contributing factor to PIGD-PD. We will compare two groups of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD): those with PIGD and patients with dominant tremor (n=120)to assess the role of brain WM changes.

To compare brain WM burden using MRI in PD patients with and without PIGD. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis techniques will be applied.We will quantify PIGD-related symptoms including cognitive function, balance and gait and their associations with MRI findings.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

50 Years to 80 Years

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Sampling Method:

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

A total of 120 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) will be studied. Subjects will be divided into two groups: Patients with PIGD and patients with tremor dominant.

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01039831